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    Home » Sides

    Easy Italian Seasoning Substitute

    Published: Jun 30, 2021 · Modified: Jun 14, 2023 by Jamie · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Looking for the perfect Italian seasoning substitute to complement your meal?  This 4-ingredient recipe is delicious, foolproof, and easy to make in a small batch or scale it up for pantry storage. I use the Italian-favorite combination of Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, and Thyme, with even more substitutions in case you are missing those spices.

    This post includes a very simple one-step recipe and frequently asked questions about Italian seasoning substitutes.

    A teaspoon with an Italian seasoning substitute made of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
    Jump to:
    • What is Italian Seasoning?
    • How to make Italian seasoning from scratch
    • More Easy Substitutes for Italian Seasoning
    • Best ways to use Italian seasoning
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Italian Recipes
    • Easy Italian Seasoning Substitute

    What is Italian Seasoning?

    Italian Seasoning is a mix of spices and flavors that are commonly found in Italian cooking.

    While labeled "Italian", you won't actually find this spice blend in an Italian supermarket. Most authentic Italian cooking uses only one or two of these common spices. The spices used varies by dish and by the cook's preference.

    For that reason, my family doesn't keep Italian Seasoning on hand, but will make this Italian Seasoning recipe as needed for Italian-American cuisine.

    What is Italian seasoning made of?

    Italian seasoning is made of a combination of spices commonly found in Italian cooking. Typically, these include:

    • basil
    • oregano
    • rosemary
    • thyme
    • parsley
    • marjoram

    Some Italian seasonings also include black pepper, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper flakes. 

    To make this Italian Seasoning as simple as possible, we use the 4 most common spices. You can add a pinch each of the others depending on what you have on hand and your personal preference.

    Keeping flavors and spices as simple as possible is a key part of authentic Italian cooking.

    How to make Italian seasoning from scratch

    To make the best Italian Seasoning from scratch:

    1. Gather dried unground versions of the following spices: basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. 
    2. In a small jar, mix together 1 teaspoon basil, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon rosemary, and ½ teaspoon thyme.

    That’s it! This recipe will give you 3 teaspoons of Italian Seasoning.

    Glass jars of individual herbs that make up an easy substitute for Italian Seasoning: Basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

    More Easy Substitutes for Italian Seasoning

    Missing an ingredient? Here are more quick and easy options:

    1. A 50-50 mix of dried Basil and dried Oregano. This is a lovely combination that will add that burst of Italian flavor that you're looking for!
    2. Herbs de Provence. Herbs de Provence usually includes thyme, oregano, marjoram, savory, and sometimes lavender. It has many spices in common with Italian Seasoning. Substitute 1-for-1 for Italian Seasoning.
    3. Test and try different spices like a true Italian chef. Use your sense of smell to test which spices smell good with the aroma coming from your dish. Try dried basil first, then give oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and garlic powder a sniff. Start by adding small amounts of each spice, tasting in between additions, until you find your perfect flavor!

      According to Science World: "Our sense of smell is responsible for about 80% of what we taste." So if it smells good, there's a good chance it will taste good too!

    Pro Tip: Hold several spice jars together at once and sniff above them to experience the combination. Or hold one spice at a time near the recipe you're already preparing to smell the new spice with the existing flavors.

    A jar of mixed spices to substitute for Italian Seasoning.

    Best ways to use Italian seasoning

    1. Add it to a scramble or frittata
    2. Sprinkle it over simple chicken dishes
    3. Use it as a meat rub or marinade 
    4. Sprinkle some over a simple pasta with butter or olive oil. Or use it in our Dairy-Free Vodka Pasta or One Pot Pasta dishes.
    5. Use it in meatballs
    6. Add it to pasta sauces 
    7. Sprinkle it over pizza or salad

    Recipe FAQs

    Here are some frequently asked questions about Italian Seasoning.

    Can I substitute oregano for Italian seasoning?

    Use dried oregano as a substitute for Italian seasoning in half or less of the amount called for by the recipe. Most people will find a direct substitution of oregano for Italian Seasoning to be too strong. If you also have dried basil, using a 50-50 split of dried oregano and dried-basil makes a good simple Italian Seasoning substitute.

    What Seasoning is similar to Italian Seasoning?

    Herbs de Provence has the most spices in common with Italian Seasoning, and is therefore the most similar spice blend.

    What is the difference between Italian Seasoning and Oregano?

    Italian seasoning refers to a combination of spices that includes Oregano and several others commonly found in Italian cooking. Oregano is a single spice.

    Don't see an answer to your question? Leave it in the comment field at the end of this post and we'll answer it within 2 business days.

    More Italian Recipes

    These delicious Italian recipes use Italian Seasoning or you can add it as a variation:

    • A skillet of caramelised sauteed peppers and onions ready to serve.
      Sautéed Peppers and Onions
    • Overhead view of a healthy Zuppa Toscana without heavy cream garnished with bacon and ready for serving.
      Classy Dairy-Free Zuppa Toscana in one pot with clean ingredients
    • A serving bowl of Italian Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes garnished with rosemary.
      Italian Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes (no milk or butter)
    • Overhead close up of Vegan MInestrone Soup in a 5 quart dutch oven.
      House Favorite Vegan Minestrone Soup

    And if you're looking to add an Italian dessert to finish off your meal, consider our fan favorite Dairy Free Tiramisu, Italian Hot Chocolate, and Dairy Free Gelato recipes!

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card or comment field below. Thank you!

    A teaspoon with an Italian seasoning substitute made of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

    Easy Italian Seasoning Substitute

    Jamie
    The perfect 4-ingredient Italian seasoning substitute to add flavor to your meal with dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 minutes mins
    Course Seasonings
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 5 servings
    Calories 1 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 teaspoon basil
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • ½ teaspoon thyme
    • ½ teaspoon rosemary

    Instructions
     

    • In a small jar, gently mix all ingredients together. 

    Notes

    Storage: This Italian Seasoning Substitute can last for 2 years when stored in an airtight container. Keep the seasoning mix in a cool, dry place.

    More easy Italian Seasoning Substitutes:

    Missing an ingredient? Here are more quick and easy options:
    • A 50-50 mix of dried Basil and dried Oregano. This is a lovely combination that will add the burst of Italian flavor that you're looking for!
    • Herbs de Provence. Herbs de Provence usually includes thyme, oregano, marjoram, savory, and sometimes lavender. It has many spices in common with Italian Seasoning. Substitute 1-for-1 for Italian Seasoning.
    See the blog post for tips on how to make your Italian Seasoning substitute by smell, plus tasty ways to use your new spice blend.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1kcalCarbohydrates: 0.3gProtein: 0.05gFat: 0.02gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.002gSodium: 0.1mgPotassium: 6mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.02gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.2mg
    Keyword substitute for Italian Seasoning, Italian seasoning recipe, what is Italian seasoning made of
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Noah

      October 16, 2023 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      Exactly what I was looking for!

      Reply
      • Jamie

        October 16, 2023 at 6:40 pm

        I'm so glad to hear it Noah! Thank you for the comment.

        Reply
    2. Brie

      August 22, 2023 at 11:13 pm

      5 stars
      I am so happy for this recipe with 4 ingredients that I already have! Worked like a charm in my minestrone soup recipe.

      Reply
    3. Cory

      August 03, 2023 at 11:22 am

      5 stars
      Perfect for my Italian pasta salad!

      Reply
      • Jamie

        August 06, 2023 at 12:18 pm

        I'm so glad it worked out!

        Reply
    4. TerryF

      December 12, 2022 at 8:57 pm

      5 stars
      This is a really good seasoning mix. Most recipes I found online for Italian seasoning include chilli pepper flakes, which is very strange because I don’t remember ever any of my Italian friends using that in their seasoning mixes.

      Reply
      • Jamie

        December 15, 2022 at 9:01 pm

        I agree! Thank you so much Terry 🙂 My Italian grandmother would be so proud!

        Reply
    5. Monica

      July 18, 2021 at 1:02 pm

      5 stars
      I mad this mix and I love it because it's more pungent and fresh tasting and I can mix the best herbs together.

      Reply
      • Jamie

        July 20, 2021 at 2:06 pm

        I couldn't agree more Monica! Thank you so much.

        Reply

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    Recipe Rating




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    After a celiac diagnosis, I went from a food lover to eating because I had to. Then, with the help of this blog and community, I re-worked my life and my recipes to love food again. Thank you for being here.

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    Top photo is an overhead view of italian seasoning substitute in an overfilled teaspoon. The bottom photo is the 4 main spices in their original jars, lined up for use.
    Side view of a jar of italian seasoning substitute with a small pile of each spice on a plate beside it.
    Overhead view of italian seasoning substitute spilling out of a teaspoon on a white napkin.